RADFORD, Va. – With a pair of intense road games now in the rearview mirror, the Radford men's basketball returns home to play hosts to Gardner-Webb on Wednesday night.
SETTING THE STAGE
Opponent: Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs (6-12, 1-2 Big South)
Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Radford, Va. (Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center)
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Radio:
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SERIES HISTORY
With all the success Radford has had against Big South foes over the last 40 years, Gardner-Webb has proven to be one of the Highlanders' biggest challenges. Through 29 meetings, the Runnin' Bulldogs lead the all-time series, 17-12.
The most notable "record within the record" if you will, is Radford's 5-10 mark against Gardner-Webb when playing inside the Dedmon Center. The Highlanders have dropped four straight games at home, with the last win coming during the 2018-19 season. That season, of course, ended with a heartbreaking 65-76 loss to GWU in the Big South title game.
It was a split decision in the season series last year, with the Highlanders earning a 63-59 win in Boiling Springs before the Runnin' Bulldogs won 61-48 in the return trip.
SCOUTING THE RUNNIN' BULLDOGS
If you ask anyone who has been around the Big South Conference for any period of time, they'll tell you that 11
th-year head coach Tim Craft is one of the very best to do it. He's guided the Runnin' Bulldogs to a 103-76 (.575) record in conference play thus far, including a 10-8 mark last season, before being picked to finish fourth in the 2023-24 preseason poll.
GWU brought back most of its core players, including juniors Julien Soumaoro and Caleb Robinson, who lead the team in scoring with 14.2 and 12.9 points per game, respectively. SEMO transfer DQ Nicholas also returned for another year in Boiling Springs, giving them a third double-digit scorer with 10.6 points and a team-high 2.8 assists per contest.
The Runnin' Bulldogs push the pace on every possession, ranking 95
th in the nation with 24.4 fastbreak points a game. They don't excel in shooting – posting a lowly 41.8% from the field and 31.1% from three – but they rebound at a high rate. GWU also limits their mistakes, ranking 76
th in the country with just 10.9 turnovers per game.
HAWAIIAN NIGHT!
Hawaiian night is coming to the Dedmon Center and that means an awesome giveaway item! The first 250 Radford University students to arrive at the game will receive a free reversable Radford/floral bucket hat.
HOME, SWEET HOME
While level of competition and other factors need to be considered, there's something to be said for a good ol' home court advantage. Through 18 games, the Highlanders have shown exactly how much it can matter.
In six true home games, Radford is averaging 82.0 points per game on 52.6% shooting from the floor and 43.8% from three. Meanwhile, in nine true road games, the Highlanders are averaging 68.0 points per game on 42.6% overall and 31.7% from beyond the arc.
Free throws are another huge disparity, with Radford making 16.2 free throws per game in the Dedmon Center compared to just 8.7 per game on the road.
TURNER'S BIG DAY
Graduate transfer
Chandler Turner has been a huge piece of the puzzle for the Highlanders since coming over from Bowling Green this offseason. His biggest performance, not only as a Radford player but in his collegiate career, came on Saturday at Winthrop.
The Detroit, Mich. native dropped 33 points and 12 rebounds – both of which were career highs. It was the first 30-point double-double since Carlik Jones posted 33 points and 10 assists against Hampton and only the second in the last 12 years.
FOLLOW RADFORD MEN'S BASKETBALL
To follow the Radford men's basketball team throughout the season, visit RadfordAthletics.com, follow @RadfordHoops on Twitter, 'radfordhoops' on Instagram or Radford Men's Basketball on Facebook.
